Turf’s Up! And Homeowners Are Catching the Big Green Wave

In 1966, the groundskeepers of the year-old Astrodome were having difficulty getting grass to grow. They made a decision that would spawn an entire industry: installing artificial turf. Sports fields would never be the same again. After more than 50 years of commercial use, artificial turf has now caught on with residential landscapers. Homeowners – especially those who have upscale residences – have fallen in love with synthetic turf and its role in outdoor entertaining! One of the most popular brands of artificial turf – GrassTex – is now rolling out the doors of Acme Brick Tile & Stone stores.

Why Choose Turf Over Natural Grass

One word comes to mind: MAINTENANCE. 

There is little to no maintenance associated with synthetic turf. While natural grass is priced at less than $2 a square foot for initial landscaping, it can require monthly mowing and maintenance. And don’t forget the large quantities of water that can add thousands of dollars a year to the total cost, according to this report.

By comparison, high-end synthetic grass can cost from $11 to $19 per square foot which includes soil foundation preparation. But it can pay for itself in saved expenses. Lawns of “faux” grass can last up to 15 years. Maintenance often involves only removing the occasional weed and caring for heavy trafficked areas that may flatten out over time and require stepping stones.

on the popularity of residential tur

In a recent article, Christopher Brandon, of Brandon Architects in Costa Mesa, says about 75 percent of his projects for modern-style homes in Southern California have faux grass. “Homeowners like it because there is almost no maintenance. It doesn’t need water, it always looks tidy and it can be used in areas where real grass won’t grow. It gives properties a clean, high-end feel. And it’s especially good for certain amenities, such as zero-edge pools that tend to kill the real grass around them with the water’s chlorine,” he says.

A secondary reason for laying this artificial turf is to reduce water consumption for lawns in drought stricken or arid areas.

Like Brick, Turf Is Tough

Synthetic turf has never been tougher. It is usually a combination of nylon, polyethylene and polypropylene, According to Reggie Barnes of Acme Brick Tile & Stone, today’s synthetic products are made specifically for the home. They have better drainage, are built from highly durable materials, stay cooler in the sun, and remain in good condition for years. 

Additionally, products such as GrassTex,use plastic polymers for grass blades that are woven into a permeable backing system made from plastics that are better bonded, stitched and seamed. They also feature infill materials to keep the blades in position. The longer blades feel softer, and multiple blades woven together have a more grass-like feel. In most cases, the lawn is installed with a slight crown in the middle, as would be the case with natural grass. 

Turf’s Up at Acme Brick Tile & Stone

There is a GrassTex turf product for just about every residential or commercial application.

Choices for every need and budget:

• All Star Turf is for soccer, bocce courts, football sidelines, and baseball applications. With the urethane back it can be used on swimming pool decks and other marine applications. 
   
• Bases Loaded Turf is the complete turf for every use, include sports, putting greens, baseball batting cages, marine applications on unitary back and DIY projects. 
   
• Santa Monica Turf is a first-tier landscape product with a value price. It uses blended polyethylene grass and polypropylene thatch to create a full-bodied lawn, which reduces the amount of infill ballast needed. The turf also includes drain holes, making it ideal for pet areas. To clean it, just hose it down.
   
• Huntington Turf is a premium product suitable for golf and landscaping to mimic the most natural blend of grasses. Great for landscaping in hard-to-grow areas. It can be filled with two pounds of sand per square foot or secured with landscape stakes.
   
• San Diego Turf offers a realistic looking landscaping with little or no maintenance. It is manufactured using a heavy denier bright green, smooth monofilament fiber combined with an 8-ply thatch of spring-set polypropylene. This creates a good surface for indoor sports facilities, pet areas, and landscaping. 
   
• Visionary Turf is the ultimate in landscape turf. It is a brilliant grass green premium. The blended nylon thatch affords added body, reducing the amount of sand infill needed for ballast. It is also suitable for indoor sports facilities, walkways, pet areas and other uses.

Here’s What You Need to Know About Artificial Turf

As with every home improvement product, the decision about whether to install synthetic turf is driven by the homeowner’s objectives for its use.

According to Geoff Evans, of GrassTex, here are five questions to consider before installation.

1. What are the primary reasons for installing this turf? If they want to use it to reduce clean-up from pets and children, the best length for the artificial blades is 1.5 inches or shorter.
2. Is the turf just for curb appeal, or is it going to have heavier use from sports activities?
3. What amount of foot traffic will the synthetic turf receive?
4. In what part of the country is the home? The geographic location will help the homeowner determine the most popular products for that area based on weather.
5. What hue and blade length are most visually appealing to the homeowner?

Evans adds, “All GrassTex products have a UV coating that protects them from the sun. The warranty covers any fading.  We base our warranty off the Sunbelt region of the USA, which gets the highest amount of direct sunlight. Contractors, landscape architects, and homeowners have all installed our products, but we advise having the correct tools and landscaping expertise.”

Interested in having GrassTex at your home or retail location? Visit your nearest Acme Brick Tile & Stone store to learn more.